Child OCD Therapy in Los Angeles
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder that can create major disruptions in your child's life.
The intense negative thoughts and feelings can make it nearly impossible for your child to succeed socially and academically.
10
The average age when children typically begin to exhibit OCD traits (but many children can display OCD symptoms as young as 4)
2 in 100
The number of children that will be affected by OCD in childhood.
High
Negative impact on quality of life for children and their families.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Is your child controlled by unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses? Does he or she insist on performing repetitive, ritualized actions to alleviate the anxiety caused by the unwanted thoughts?
OCD is characterized by having intense or repetitive thoughts (obsessions) that manifest in specific, ritualized, or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). For example, a child may be terrified of being dirty, or a family member getting hurt, and will perform rituals to ease that anxiety, like washing hands or locking and unlocking the doors a certain number of times.
The good news is that OCD is treatable. With the right therapy and practice, your child can conquer this disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
OCD symptoms can begin to show in children as young as 4. Often you will first notice your child performing very repetitive tasks, but not being able to explain why. Later they may say that these actions help "prevent" negative consequences, like getting ill or being hurt.
OCD obsessions most commonly fall into certain categories like contamination, aggression, or a fear of harm or responsibility of harm.
Obsessing over negative thoughts, images, or urges
Performing certain tasks or rituals over and over again
High rigidity in their rituals - they say they must perform them in a certain way, and will become upset if routines or rituals are disrupted
OCD Treatment
Treatment starts with getting a diagnosis. Work with a psychologist or contact us to schedule an assessment for your child.
The most evidenced-based treatment practice for OCD is called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a method of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ERP gradually exposes the child to their scary thoughts, while supporting children in preventing the compulsive behavior. Gradually the situation will become normal for the child, and the anxious behaviors will begin to diminish.
ERP is best performed at home where the compulsions are strongest. Ideally the whole family will be involved in understanding how to be involved in exposures.
WaveMind also offers an OCD Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for those that need more intensive treatment.
How to Get Your Child Help
Get Diagnosis
Get your child assessed by a trained psychologist to determine whether or not he/she has OCD.
3. Exposures
Your child is gradually exposed to the situations that trigger their compulsions and have support in preventing engaging in the compulsion. Over time, these situations become more normal and reduce the anxiety response.
2. Develop Treatment Plan
Your clinician will work with you to create a treatment plan that helps your child without pushing them too far.
4. Follow Up
You will learn the skills to continue helping your child after your treatment completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OCD a sign of autism?
Research shows that OCD is more common among children with autism than the general population. However, displaying signs of OCD does not mean that your child also has autism.
What triggers OCD in a child?
The exact cause of OCD is unknown. OCD does tend to run in families and may be linked genetically, but it can also occur in children with no family history. In rare cases, streptococcal infections may trigger OCD or exacerbate existing symptoms.